week 6 jobs and roles in the ECE community:internationally

 I had a lot of fun researching international organizations.  I discovered many that I had never heard of. 

The first organization I want to tell you about is the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization.  Their mission is to integrate the principles, values and practices of sustainable development into all aspects of education and learning. This educational effort will encourage changes in behavior that will create a more sustainable future in terms of environmental integrity, economic viability and a just society for present and future generations. 

Within this organization a school was created based on the inspirations of Mahatma Gandhi.  The Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development was created to help transform education systems.  I took the following statement from the website: As the international community looks towards a new sustainable development agenda, it is increasingly recognized that education can play a decisive role in fostering a sense of shared responsibility and in bringing about fundamental changes in how we coexist with each other and our planet.

Based on the belief that education is essential to creating global values and building the skills to coexist in the world bringing shared values to life and to gaining the skills required in the new millennium: how to coexist peacefully, live sustainably, work collaboratively, think critically and develop creative solutions. Yet these principles and skills are not given nearly enough priority in teaching and learning today. The organization believes and I agree that we need extreme transformation in how we learn and what we learn for. 

“If we are to reach real peace in this world

and if we are to carry on a real war against war,

we shall have to begin with children.”

– Mahatma Gandhi

UNESCO has many avenues to pursue careers with their organization. I found several positions that peaked my interest in the area of experts in education. 

Adult Education Curriculum development  Teachers Education Literacy  

Early Childhood Care and Education  Education for all  Lifelong Learning

There are no current positions open however; I would be interested in working in the Early Childhood Care and Education area.   UNESCO looks for people with expertise in the area through their education, experience and accomplishments in the field.  They are looking for individuals with advanced education, and in some cases knowledge of other languages may be beneficial.  

http://en.unesco.org/                                              

 

Pacey Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years

Pacey is a community organization based in the UK.  I liked what they offered to professionals as well as families who are looking for information about childcare, early education, and training.  I have included the qualifications from the website for a couple of positions I would be interested in.

Qualifications for Delivering Training

You need to be qualified to at least level 3 before you can become an associate tutor or assessor for PACEY, so this is the first step to take.

You will also need to show evidence of, and a commitment to, your own continuing professional development. This could be through participating in PACEY Local meetings and discussions, undertaking extra relevant training or delivering presentations to your colleagues.

If you are part of a formal childminding network or part of a PACEY Local group you could volunteer to lead training sessions on specialist areas that you are knowledgeable about, for example, sign language, messy play or craft activities.

Qualifications to be a tutor for PACEY

Holding an adult teaching qualification is an essential requirement for becoming a tutor for PACEY.

Looking through the website and reading their mission and goals, I would compare this organization to NAEYC.  They have professional standards, support professional development for educators.  Pacey also offers information for parents in areas such as finding care, how to know what is best for their situation, what questions to ask when looking at a facility, etc.

http://local.pacey.org.uk/default.aspx

 The third organization I looked at is fhi360.   This is an organization created from two organizations that came together in 2011 to work toward what they saw as a common vision.  That vision, that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.   They currently work in 60 countries. 

The 360 in fhi360 signifies the thought that we must look at change with a 360 degree view rather than a one directional view.  Fhi360 had many opportunities for employment all over the world. 

I found two positions that I would be interested in with fhi360.  One of the positions I would be interested in I would not qualify for mostly because I do not have the 12 years of project management experience needed.  I have highlighted the areas in which I would qualify.

Director, School & Community Service The Director of School and Community Services leads the department’s work in defining and implementing the department’s mission. Minimum Requirements: •Education:  Master’s degree in education, social science, public policy or a related field.   •Experience: Typically requires a minimum of 12 years with project management experience. •Demonstrated experience in multi-sector project management and implementation. •Demonstrated strategic planning, staff development and capacity building experience. •Demonstrated experience in leading and managing complex projects that are strategic in nature and national in scope. •Highly proficient with MS Project, and the Microsoft suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio). •Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English. This next position, as an ECE Specialist, I think I would at least meet the minimum requirements.

ECE Specialist, Region XI (Project Manager I) Minimum Requirements:           •A minimum of a BA or BS Degree in Early Childhood Education, with a preference for a Master's degree •A minimum of 5 years’ experience in programs serving young children is required. Theoretical knowledge of child development required. •Experience working with AIAN Head Start preferred. •Demonstrated experience conceptualizing and conducting extensive and intensive T/T A that is grounded in theory; Demonstrated experience working with both education managers and teachers; Proven experience in providing effective T/T A that translates theory to practice. •Ability to develop, train and provide presentations to individuals, small and large groups. •Working knowledge of the Head Start Child Outcomes Framework and the Head Start Program Performance Standards and Other Regulations. •Familiarity with the Improving School Readiness for Head Start Act of 2007. •Understanding of developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate curriculum and assessment. •Ability to communicate (verbal and written) effectively and appropriately with others. •Ability to work both independently and in a team environment. •Sustained concentration and attention to detail and accuracy. •Ability to prioritize and manage work load and deadlines. •Excellent data analysis and problem solving skills •Previous work with AIAN and AIAN programs and community is preferred •Job will require 50% or more travel